Scope Base Screw Stripped

[Shooterbob]

I second the kroil idea . Soak it overnight and try pounding a bigger torx bit . Good luck keep us posted. But don’t post the bad words used during screw extraction.

 

[d31tc]

It’s been soaking with liquid wrench. I’ve acquired an impact screwdriver, left handed drill bit screw extractor set, and some new Torx bits to file down flat and tapered. I’m almost ready - I need to make a wood block to clamp the action/barrel down before I bring down the hammer. Sorry for the suspense.

 

[Tilos]

You're almost there.
No drama using these:

Pre heat it, using a soldiering gun to localize the heat.
Often the lefthand drill end does the trick.
Set the drill clutch/ratchet for minimal torque and work your way up.
jmo,
.

 

[d31tc]

Like I said pound a torx bit into the stripped screw, you want one just big enough to engraved the star points into the stripped screw.

troy fairweather for the win!

Almost too easy. With a sacrificial T15, I filed the end to a 45 degree to center the now dedicated T15 Torx chisel in the screw head. Secured in a vise, hammered until it seemed to form a Torx shape that provided
solid resistance. Replaced it with a sharp clean T15 bit and hammered that one in. I went to insert the bit in the impact screwdriver and realized it was the wrong size. Oh well, might as well try a regular screwdriver head. Inserted it on the screw driver head to see what would happen. I wasn’t going to torque it hard and I didn’t have to - it came out, super easy, without hardly any torque (maybe 10 in-lb).

Thanks everyone for making me just a little bit wiser.



New picatinny base - with Torx head screws.

 

[Mauser fan]

I'm glad that you were successful. Many souls aren't as fortunate or patient and the later of the two types of people mentioned almost always prevail. Great job!

 

[a5werkes]

As a last resort for employing an impact driver on a gunsmith sized fastener I like the Laser brand. Japanese mfg for use on
small motorcycle parts. It has a 3/8" male drive, when coupled with an adapter to 1/4" hex head, it allows use of all / any magna-tip
gunsmith bits. Its smaller mass avoids the pounding of #4-10 screws that the usual HF impact driver delivers, especially not welcomed to optics still-mounted.